Ann Aguirre is a national bestselling author with a degree in English Literature; before she began writing full time, she was a clown, a clerk, a voice actress, and a savior of stray kittens, not necessarily in that order. She grew up in a yellow house across from a cornfield, but now she lives in sunny Mexico with her husband, children, two cats, and one very lazy dog. She likes all kinds of books, emo music, action movies and Dr. Who. She writes urban fantasy (the Corine Solomon series), romantic science fiction (the Jax series), apocalyptic paranormal romance (the Ellen Connor books with Carrie Lofty), paranormal romantic suspense (as Ava Gray), and post-apocalyptic dystopian young adult fiction.Bio from author's website.
Where to find her...
The two worlds of the Razorland series –topside and below– are very distinct and full of unique tradition and ritual. How did you go about creating them and what inspired the unique details they’re built upon?
People are often fascinated to learn that all of my worldbuilding comes from my characters. I'm not a mason, putting the foundation in place, but more of a scribe. My heroines and heroes tell me what I need to know about the world they live in on a need-to-know basis.
Has Deuce, who you’ve said lives in your head, revealed something about herself to you that you haven't yet worked into a book somehow? Can you share it?
She's really fond of music. Deuce was exposed to it for the first time in Salvation, but it didn't make it into the book. There was no reason to make an issue of it. But... she finds instruments and singing really delightful.
You tend to leave a lot to the imagination at the end of your books. Why do you seem to prefer endings like these, and what do you hope readers will take away from them?
I end all my stories in the manner right for each individual tale. Hopefully people will enjoy my books, but that lies outside my purview. I can only write the best book possible, be true to my characters, and then let readers react as they will. I do like open endings, however, precisely because it permits greater involvement. They can bring what they like to the table. In the end, I just want readers to enjoy my worlds and my characters and feel like they came away with something worth having.
What's the most exciting thing about writing a series as opposed to a stand-alone? What can we expect out of the third book in the Razorland series?
Standalones are refreshing in that you get to tie everything up. Series are comforting like slipping into your favorite pajamas. You know the world and the characters, so it's easier to get started. Horde will be released next fall, and I think everyone will be blown away by the conclusion. It's pretty epic.
Outpost by Ann Aguirre
Series: Razorland #2
Release Date: Sept. 4, 2012
Release Date: Sept. 4, 2012
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Buy: Amazon / IndieBound / Barnes & Noble
Deuce’s whole world has changed. Down below, she was considered an adult. Now, topside in a town called Salvation, she’s a brat in need of training in the eyes of the townsfolk. She doesn’t fit in with the other girls: Deuce only knows how to fight.
To make matters worse, her Hunter partner, Fade, keeps Deuce at a distance. Her feelings for Fade haven’t changed, but he seems not to want her around anymore. Confused and lonely, she starts looking for a way out.
Deuce signs up to serve in the summer patrols—those who make sure the planters can work the fields without danger. It should be routine, but things have been changing on the surface, just as they did below ground. The Freaks have grown smarter. They’re watching. Waiting. Planning. The monsters don’t intend to let Salvation survive, and it may take a girl like Deuce to turn back the tide.
Description from Goodreads.
Don't forget to check out the Fierce Reads campaign, download a Fierce Reads sampler, and read an excerpt of Outpost and Ann's short story Endurance, which bridges the gap between Enclave and Outpost.
Follow the tour...
Tuesday, Sept. 4 - The Book Monsters
Wednesday, Sept. 5 - Two Chicks on Books
Thursday, Sept. 6 - The Book Cellar
Friday, Sept. 7 - Page Turners Blog
Saturday, Sept. 8 - Wastepaper Prose
Monday, Sept. 10 - Maria's Melange
Tuesday, Sept. 11 - Almost Grown Up
Wednesday, Sept. 12 - Good Choice Reading
Thursday, Sept. 13 - Mundie Moms
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It's great how we get info about Deuce - I hope her hobby makes it into a book:)
ReplyDeleteGreat interview:)
Great interview! I hope what you still have in mind makes its way to book #3...and the characters speaking to you is interesting.
ReplyDeleteI hope we can read more about Duece in the future
ReplyDeleteThank you for the interview. It is nice to read a stand alone every once in a while but I do tend to read mostly series :).
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely cannot wait for more in this series. I loved Enclave!!!!
ReplyDeleteI have these books on my wish list. Thanks for the opportunity to win them!
ReplyDeleteI guess sometimes an open ending is good because it leaves a lot to the imagination. I always picture a happy ending!
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to read both of these - they've been on my wishlist forever! Thanks for the awesome giveaway!
ReplyDeleteI really hope we get to see more Fade! I love reading about him! I've heard a little about a triangle... which sucks because I'd rather that didn't happen. But oh well, because I loved Enclave! Thanks for the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteAlyssa Susanna
Thanks for the interview! I'm excited to read this series!
ReplyDeleteSomeone randomly got me Enclave for Christmas and I've loved it so much! I can't wait to read the sequel!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the giveaway,
Markella